Your next chance to sign up
The General Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 each year. Sign up through Social Security online, at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778; press 7 for Spanish) or at a Social Security office. Part B starts the first day of the month after you sign up, and you then have 2 months to join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
Before using it, check whether you qualify for a special enrollment period instead, which may avoid both the wait and the penalty:
- Group coverage from your or your spouse's current job ended within the last 8 months.
- You lost Florida Medicaid coverage.
- A government, employer or health plan error, or a declared emergency or disaster such as a hurricane, kept you from signing up.
- You were volunteering abroad, or were released from incarceration.
- You just gained an eligible immigration status, such as a green card; see Medicare eligibility changes for immigrants.
The penalties
| Part | Penalty | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Part B | 10% of the standard premium ($202.90 in 2026) for each full 12 months you could have had Part B | Usually as long as you have Part B |
| Part D | 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) for each full month without creditable drug coverage, after 63 days in a row | Usually as long as you have Part D |
| Part A (only if you pay a premium) | 10% higher premium | Twice the number of years you could have had it |
Estimate yours with the late enrollment penalty calculator.
Florida situations to watch
- Waiting to claim Social Security: you're enrolled automatically only if you already get benefits. Many people who retire to Florida plan to claim later and miss that Medicare sign-up is a separate step at 65.
- State Group Insurance retirees: the State plan pays as if you had Part B, whether or not you do, so skipping Part B leaves you paying about 80% of Part B-covered costs. See Florida state retirees and Medicare.
- Medigap: Florida has no birthday rule, so your 6-month Medigap open enrollment, which starts when you're 65 and Part B begins, still matters even if you sign up late.
- Low income: if premiums are hard to afford, apply for a Medicare Savings Program, which can pay the Part B premium, through ACCESS Florida; see Medicare Savings Programs in Florida.
Not sure which window applies? You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. See Medicare enrollment periods.
Related questions
How do I sign up for Medicare in Florida?
Online, by phone or in person.
What are the Medicare deadlines for 2027?
Every date in one place.
When should I sign up if I'm turning 65?
Your 7-month window.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start?
- Medicare.gov — Getting care in a disaster or emergency
- Social Security — Sign up for Medicare
- eCFR — 42 CFR Part 407, Part B enrollment and special enrollment periods
- Florida Division of State Group Insurance — Retiree FAQ
More questions in this guide
- How do I sign up for Medicare in Florida?
- Can I get Medicare before 65 in Florida?
- What are the Medicare deadlines in Florida for 2027?
- Will some immigrants lose Medicare because of the 2025 federal law?
- Can I get Medicare as a permanent resident (green card holder) in Florida?
- When should I sign up for Medicare if I'm turning 65 in Florida?
Part of the guide: Medicare enrollment periods in Florida · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can the Part B penalty be waived?
Not usually. It doesn't apply if you delayed Part B because you had group coverage from your or your spouse's current work, and it can be waived if a special enrollment period for exceptional circumstances applies.
I missed the deadline because of a hurricane. What now?
If a federal, state or local emergency or disaster declaration where you live kept you from signing up or making a change, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. For Part A or Part B, contact Social Security; for Medicare Advantage or Part D changes, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Does signing up late affect Medigap in Florida?
Your 6-month Medigap open enrollment starts when you're 65 and your Part B starts, even if you sign up late, so you don't lose that window. But Florida has no birthday rule, so use it when it comes.
Medicare in your Florida county
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